When planning your trip with American Airlines, keep in mind that this airline has baggage limits. Size and weight restrictions apply to both carry-on and checked baggage.
The baggage allowance is determined by several factors:
– Route type: Domestic or international flight
– Fare type (Basic Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class)
– AAdvantage status
– American Airlines co-branded credit cards
Understanding these rules will help you avoid unexpected baggage fees at the airport.
American Airlines carry-on bag allowance
First, you need to understand how much carry-on baggage is allowed on AA.
Most passengers are allowed to bring:
– 1 carry-on bag
– 1 personal item
This applies to tickets in Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.
Unlike many airlines operating in the United States, American Airlines allows passengers traveling in Basic Economy to bring one carry-on bag free of charge on all of its domestic and international flights.
Carry-on baggage weight limit
American Airlines does not have a carry-on baggage weight limit. On all its domestic and international flights, AA allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag in addition to one personal item (laptop bag, purse or small briefcase, camera or umbrella, etc.).
Carry-on Baggage size limit
Your carry-on bag must not exceed the following size limit: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
Your personal items (handbag/backpack, laptop bag, tablet, camera, etc.) must fit under the seat in front of you.
If your carry-on baggage exceeds the size limit at security, it will be checked, and additional fees may apply.
American Airlines Checked Baggage Policy & Fees
For most domestic flights within the United States, as well as flights between the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, a standard baggage allowance is provided.
Whether on domestic or international AA flights, checked baggage may incur a fee for certain fares:
- First checked bag: A fee of $40 applies ($35 if paying in cash).
- Second checked bag: A fee of $45 is charged.
Important: This fee applies only to passengers traveling in American Airlines Basic Economy and Main Cabin. Passengers in Premium Economy, Business, and First Class are entitled to check two bags free of charge.
However, some AA travelers are entitled to one free checked bag, even in Basic Economy or Main Cabin class:
– Passengers who hold Elite Status within the AAdvantage loyalty program
Passengers with high AAdvantage status will also be able to benefit from a free checked baggage allowance on AA flights:
– Platinum / Platinum Pro: 2 checked bags free of charge
– Executive Platinum: up to 3 checked bags free of charge
– Passengers holding a premium credit card
Holders of certain credit cards will also be able to travel with one or more checked bags free of charge:
- Citi AAdvantage Cards:
– Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard: 1 bag for the passenger + 4 companions
– Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: 1 bag (+ 8 companions)
– CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: 1 bag
- AAdvantage Aviator Cards (Barclays):
– AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: 1 free bag (for the passenger and 4 companions)
– AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard: 1 free bag
– AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard (PRO version): 1 free bag.
Are you traveling by plane and want to take your sports equipment with you? Please note that American Airlines does everything possible to help you transport your equipment and fully enjoy your vacation without interrupting your training. However, it is essential to respect the limits of the baggage allowance included in your reservation.
How many checked bags can you travel with?
With AA, the hold baggage allowance depends on the fare class of your ticket but also on your destination:
Up to 10 bags are allowed on domestic, trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights.
Up to 5 bags can be checked by the passenger on flights departing from, coming from or going to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Brazil.
AA checked baggage fee
Flying with Sports Equipment
AA considers each piece of sports equipment to be checked baggage:
Archery equipment; baseball bats; Bike; Bowling; Camping equipment; Cricket, hockey or lacrosse; Curling; Fencing; fishing equipment; Golf clubs; Oars or paddles; Parachute; Diving equipment (tanks are not accepted); Shooting equipment; Skateboard; Snow skis; Snowboards; Tennis (badminton, squash racquetball…); Water skis; Water sports boards (surf and kitesurf boards, wakeboards, water surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards, paddle or speed boards).
Exceptionally, wooden sports equipment or windsurfing boards and scuba diving equipment (with a maximum weight of 32 kg) are accepted in the hold for a fee of 150 USD.
Sports equipment prohibited for check-in: Javelins, pole vaulting poles and hang gliders.
American Airlines excess baggage
Bags weighing between 23 and 32 kg (51 to 70 lbs) incur additional charges.
Bags weighing over 32 kg (70 lbs) are generally not accepted on most flights (they may be sent as cargo).
According to American Airlines policy, checked baggage becomes chargeable starting with the third item:
- $150 for the third bag
- $200 for each additional bag.+
AA overweight baggage
Checked baggage on American Airlines flights weighing between 23 kg (50 lbs) and 32 kg (70 lbs) incurs an additional charge that must be paid by the passenger before boarding.
AA oversized baggage
Bags with total dimensions exceeding 62 inches (158 cm) may incur additional charges. It is therefore advisable to weigh and measure your baggage before going to the airport.
Note that the maximum size for checked baggage on an American Airlines flight must not exceed 115 inches (292 cm)
